Soccer hopeful Steven Sinclair's dream of a football career was blocked after eight years playing for Newcastle United youth teams.

His hopes of becoming a star with the club were dashed and trials he had with Sheffield, Sunderland and Manchester City also ended in disappointment.

But now he has a new goal and his ambitions are spot on target.

Steven, now 21, has just been awarded the coveted Wilkinson Shield for the best portfolio of work as an apprentice plumber.

Now in his third year as a student at Ashington's Northumberland College, he was presented with the award at a ceremony in Heworth Constitutional Club, in Gateshead, by Eric Mace, national president of the Institute of Plumbers.

Steven, of Hartford Crescent, Ashington, works for Bartram Walker Mechanical Engineering Services, of Bowburn, County Durham.

These days the soccer skills he honed from the age of nine with Newcastle United and Northumberland are being put to good use at Portland Park, home ground of Ashington Football Club, where he is a striker.

"I have been with Ashington for two years and I love it there," he said. "I would like to play at an even higher level than the Albany Northern League, but not professionally.

"I have my ambitions, but they are in plumbing. I want to get more qualifications including my gas tickets and Corgi registration. I really enjoy the work I am doing now."

So far he has gained his NVQ Level 2 in Mechanical Services and is working towards his Level 3.

He turned from legwork to pipework with the help of a friend after he was released by Newcastle United.

"I was a bit down when a friend said he knew two lads who were looking for somebody to be an apprentice plumber," he said.

The friend also pointed out to Steven that there is a national shortage of plumbers and it could be a very good field for him to move into.

After deciding on his new career, three years ago, he enrolled at Northumberland College to get the professional training and qualifications that he needed to take up the trade.